Denis Alibegic, 22, of 1013 Morris St. Utica was charged with armed robbery, assault and driving while intoxicated early Monday morning in connection with an attempted robbery and assault with a hammer at the Warners service area gas station on the Thruway.

According to New York State Police, Alibegic put gas in his vehicle about 4 a.m. at the Warners service area gas station on the Thruway without paying for it, and then entered the gas attendant’s booth and struck him with a metal hammer, causing minor injuries.

The attendant was able to fend off his attacker. and after a brief struggle was able to disarm Alibegic and call 911, police said. A Thruway patrol responded to the scene and Alibegic was subsequently arrested.

Further investigation by state police revealed that Alibegic had allegedly stolen a bottle of vodka from a Utica liquor store earlier. Police said he left the Utica area and began to consume the bottle of liquor as he traveled west on the Thruway before stopping at the Warners rest area for fuel.

Alibegic was charged with DWI, first-degree robbery, second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Police said he also will likely face criminal charges in connection with the liquor store incident in Utica, pending the Utica Police Departments investigation.

Alibegic was arraigned before Honorable Justice O’Kane of the town of Van Buren and was remanded to the Onondaga County Justice Center in lieu of $30,000 bond opr $15,000 cash bail.